Sunday, September 6, 2009

Bowling Green Hot Rods Lose 3-1 To Lexington Legends

Starting pitcher Shane Dyer turned in one of his strongest outings of 2009, throwing six innings of one-run ball against the Lexington Legends on Saturday night. Unfortunately, the Hot Rods (30-36, 64-72) couldn’t provide him with enough run support as the Legends (30-38, 66-72) took the game by a 3-1 final. Lexington has now taken the first two games of the series, guaranteeing they will win the season series and at least split the final four game set in Bowling Green.

Dyer, making his second straight start, took a no-decision in the game by allowing just one run in his six innings of work. He allowed just six hits and two walks while tying a career-high with seven strikeouts. The only blemish on his line came on a two-out RBI single from Brian Pellegrini in the top of the third that gave the Legends a 1-0 lead.

Bowling Green battled back for its pitcher in the fifth, tying the game against Jordan Lyles (7-11). Mike Sheridan led off the inning with a single and advanced to third base on consecutive groundouts. Robi Estrada then picked up a two-out RBI by singling to center field to even the game at 1-1.

The Legends broke the tie after Dyer left in the top of the seventh. Facing relief pitcher Tyree Hayes (7-5), four of the first five batters in the inning all reached with base hits. The big came from the fourth hitter as Brandon Wikoff hooked a single to right field to score two runs and give the Legends a 3-1 lead.

Hayes worked a scoreless eighth inning before Joey Callender did the same in the ninth. They were matched by Henry Villar, who picked up his fifth save by working three scoreless frames.

Offensively, the Hot Rods managed just six hits, including two more from Mike Sheridan. The first baseman now has five hits in eight at-bats in the series. Kyeong Kang added a double, his 29th, to extend his hitting streak to a team-best 15 games. Isaias Velasquez also doubled, keeping pace with Kang with his 29th two-bagger.

The series continues on Sunday afternoon with a battle of lefties. The Hot Rods send LHP Frank De Los Santos (4-10, 3.79) to the mound against Lexington LHP Brad Dydalewicz (8-5, 3.83). First pitch is 5:05 PM. Sunday is Fan Appreciation Day with giveaways throughout the game. Games open at 3:30 PM for season ticket holders and 4 PM for the general public. For tickets, visit www.bghotrods.com or stop by the Hot Rods ticket office at Bowling Green Ballpark. You can follow the game on the radio beginning at 6:50 PM with Tom Gauthier on 1340 WBGN and www.bghotrods.com.